Isaiah 55:8-9 New King James Version
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
There is an interesting movie entitled “The Chosen” that presents the life and death and resurrection of Jesus. There are numerous poignant moments depicted in the last days before the crucifixion where Jesus interacted with His disciples. These were one on one intimate and profound opportunities to see how Jesus sought to teach them crucial lessons.
One meeting was between Jesus and John. They sat in a courtyard of a wealthy woman and seated on a bench gazed at a pagan mural on the wall before them. John remarks that the depiction was “stolen” from the Jews.
A surprised Jesus asks, “Why”?
John explains that it is like when the prophet/judge Jephthah was in battle with Ammonites he promised God that if he won, he vowed to sacrifice the first person to come out of his house to greet him on his return. Tragically, it was his only daughter! He was devastated.
Jesus, ever the precise and perfectly timed truth revealer, simply says, “My Father did not ask him for that.”
With that Jesus opens the door to teach that man’s ideas and plans, even when offered with sincerity are too often tragically flawed.
John, recognizing what Jesus has said assures Jesus of his commitment and Jesus remarks, “John you are learning.”
Shortly after John leaves, Judas appears. He requests an audience with Jesus who graciously complies as they are seated at a table opposite each other. Judas immediately begins to chastise Jesus for not seeing the great opportunity in Judas’ way of thinking for seizing the moment. Quietly Jesus listens as Judas excitedly expresses his plans. Jesus politely rejects them inciting a frustrated Judas to explode. “I am an experienced successful businessman with much talent in persuasion. I thought you wanted me for my talents.” But Jesus says, “You have been a faithful follower all these years. That is what is important” His implication to Judas, I need your faith and what I put into you is what is valuable to Me. Jesus asks, “You have a choice to make: Who do you belong to? Who has your heart? I want it! I had it before and I want it now. You followed me willingly.” Judas confesses he wants to follow, but he remains conflicted. Jesus says, “Then I will pray for you.” What John was able to see, Judas has trouble seeing clearly.
Acknowledging man’s flawed and limited view was trouble then as it is now.
When we can learn and authentically believe that what God gives us will always and forever supersede whatever we can offer of ourselves, we have had our turning point.
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TURNING POINTS
Experience, if we are willing to view it clearly will reveal how God’s ways are the best path to follow. That realization and the gratitude it inspires can be the turning point that make the difference in our life.